dab
1to pat or tap gently, as with something soft or moist: The child dabbed his eyes with the handkerchief.
to apply (a substance) by light strokes: He dabbed the ointment on the rash.
to strike, especially lightly, as with the hand.
to consume (cannabis) by inhaling the vapor of heated cannabis extract oil.
Masonry. to dress (stonework) with a pointed tool.
Western U.S. to throw (a rope or line) in an effort to lasso or catch something: Joe dabbed his rope on the steer.
to strike lightly; make a dab; pat: She dabbed at the stain on her dress.
to consume cannabis by inhaling the vapor of heated cannabis extract oil. She dabs for a more intense high.
a quick or light blow; a pat, as with the hand or something soft.
a small moist lump or mass: a dab of butter.
a small quantity: a dab of powder.
a dose of cannabis extract oil.
a dance move that involves posing with one’s nose in the crook of a bent elbow at chest level while extending the other arm to the side at or above shoulder level, often performed as a celebratory posture in sports or other competitions.
Origin of dab
1Other words for dab
Other definitions for dab (2 of 4)
any of several flatfishes of the genus Limanda, especially the European flatfish, L. limanda.
Origin of dab
2Other definitions for dab (3 of 4)
Also called dab hand . a person skilled in something; an expert.
an excellent or extraordinary person or thing.
Origin of dab
3Other definitions for DAB (4 of 4)
Dictionary of American Biography.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use dab in a sentence
They can also shine through layers of paint—so bee thieves can’t easily cover up an identifying dab on the outside of a hive box.
Bee theft is almost a perfect crime—but there’s a new sheriff in town | Andrew Zaleski | February 9, 2021 | Popular-ScienceShe dabbed them with a tissue and continued without ceremony.
Embedding With the Women Who Are Kicking ISIS Ass | Susannah George | December 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTI dabbed on some Valentina, to see if that might improve the situation.
She had been portrayed in a modernist manner: her face all dabbed, violent brushstrokes, her eyes disturbed.
Welcome to Woolwich, Where English Terrorists Say Sorry While They Murder | Peter Pomerantsev | May 23, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTHis beard was long, and his forehead dabbed with an exclamation mark of red paint.
At the long defense table surrounded by a team of six, Casey Anthony's face reddened and she silently dabbed at her nose and eyes.
Mimi burst into tears, and vigorously dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief.
The Devil | Joseph O'BrienElsa sobbed and dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief, not noticing that the man was amused.
The Devil | Joseph O'BrienHe dabbed at a cut on his temple from which issued a tiny crimson stream, and jauntily shook back his hair.
Freckles | Gene Stratton-PorterHe rubbed old panels with his sleeve and dabbed wet sponges on surfaces that had sunk.
The Tragic Muse | Henry JamesI dabbed and sluiced, but nothing I could do seemed to check the flow; it went on, obstinate and irrepressible.
Love Among the Lions | F. Anstey
British Dictionary definitions for dab (1 of 4)
/ (dæb) /
to touch lightly and quickly
(tr) to daub with short tapping strokes: to dab the wall with paint
(tr) to apply (paint, cream, etc) with short tapping strokes
a small amount, esp of something soft or moist: a dab of ink
a small light stroke or tap, as with the hand
(often plural) mainly British a slang word for fingerprint
Origin of dab
1British Dictionary definitions for dab (2 of 4)
/ (dæb) /
a small common European brown flatfish, Limanda limanda, covered with rough toothed scales: family Pleuronectidae: a food fish
(often plural) any of various other small flatfish, esp flounders: Compare sand dab
Also called: patiki a sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebia, common around New Zealand's South Island
Origin of dab
2British Dictionary definitions for dab (3 of 4)
/ (dæb) /
British informal See dab hand
Origin of dab
3British Dictionary definitions for DAB (4 of 4)
digital audio broadcasting
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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